bushido_man96

I have always kept my fist at my ribs. But when sparring, it doesn't really matter, because I keep them up.

When we do a 'traditional' backfist, like in a form, we have a good chamber, and reaction force with the other hand, and the technique is very solid. In sparring, or on the heavy bag doing combinations, I do more of the fast, flicking backfist. So for me, it just depends on the context I am throwing it in.

This is a really good discussion, everyone. You guys are all very knowledgable about physics. I may have to take notes. There may be enough info here for me to get some college credits!

A friend of mine once told me his dad got offered to be taught ninjitsu by someone, but the cost was extremly high, and he would have had to go away and train in secret for like 6 months or a year, something like that. His dad is a farmer, so he could not just up and leave, though.

Oh, yes. Martial arts has existed since the first fight in the first society. They just used weapons, and you would be surprised of what they could do when they got in close and could attempt to disarm or grapple.

In the words of Mr. Miyaki (KK, not real Miyagi).... "Have Been, Do Know" "staring down the barrel of a gun" - Been There "being held at knifepoint" - Done That (twice) PLUS had a car crash that could have easily been fatal, some how survived, also had a couple of very interesting motorbike accidents including coming off the road at over 100km/h. At the time of these incidents, the idea of death (in some cases) entered my mind and instilled a brief moment fear until the survival instinct kicked in and made me focus on what I needed to do. On a daily basis though, I do not get scared by the idea of death. By my definition... I was: fearing for my life/scared of dying (past tense) I am not: afraid of death (current tense) You have experienced more than I wish to, that is for sure.

Ok, we'll start with the hook kick. Stand with a hand supporting you on the wall. Now, chamber you leg as for a side kick, with the chamber being parallel to the floor. Next, extend your leg like a side kick, but instead of straight out to the side, do it to a 45 degree angle (if kicking with the right leg, your foot will extend to the left of center). Upon extension, you rechamber your leg, pulling through to a side kick position, using your butt muscles, and then finish by pulling the foot of the kicking leg back toward your butt, still parallel to the floor. Now, the round kick. Same thing, stand with a hand on the wall. With both of these kicks, your body is facing side ways, not to the front. Pick up your kicking leg, parallel to the floor again, and point the knee toward your imaginary target. Slowly extend your leg, pulling the toes back to kick with the ball of the foot. Then, rechamber back. If you want to change it up, combine these two drills. When you finish the hook kick, your are chambered to extend a round kick. These drills should help you out. As you get better, you will be flicking that hook kick in no time! Keep plugging away!

Good advise here. Try to get an inhaler, and see if you can give it a go. You will just have to pace yourself. Now, about the initial testing, were you held out because you were the only one going to test? Or was there another reason?

Wow, Jiffy, that is deep stuff. Very cool explanation.

You are right about the rank thing, ps1. They talked about that in the theory section of the book. The ranks they give are mainly guidelines. I did like the theory section, and really wish I had a school nearby. I am not an advocate of learning from books in general, and realize as an instructor myself, that it is an irreplacable asset. I have thought about talking to the wrestling coach at the college, to see if there would be a way that I could work out with someone on the mats there, and if he would be willing to help out. Only problem is the season is getting ready to start.

These would be good choices, for both self-defense and conditioning reasons.

Yeah, I keep hearing that this is the amateur boxing capital, but I still live about 200 miles from the nearest boxing gym. My wife is graduating from college soon, and the who knows? She may find a job, and we may move, and that may open up martial arts doors for me. If I took up boxing or Muay Thai, though, I would be dying for the first 3 months. I am not in super great shape. My regular TKD classes work me over pretty good, and they only last an hour! I am afraid that I am not the epitome of the martial athlete! But, I do have one good quality....I will work my BUTT off!

I began training for self-defense purposes. I continue to train because I love it. It is like TKD is a part of me now. If I didn't do TKD, it just wouldn't feel right. It would be like a hole was torn in me.

Good points, Jiffy. When going into different styles, it is usually best to talk with the instructor to find out how to go about dealing with the rank you wear in class. When I started over in a different TKD school, I had to start at white belt again, and I was ok with this. However, I would not go to the tournaments as a colored belt and compete, because I had attained a 2nd degree in another TKD association. Just didn't seem right to me.

Hopefully, you can pull a Michael Jordan, and go out and put on your best show, even though you are sick. I hope it doesn't affect you much. Good luck with the doctor.

Could you borrow some stuff from your current instructor? Maybe he is looking to upgrade some equipment, and you could take some old stuff off his hands for a discount. Also, maybe talk to the health/human performance department about adding in your class, or doing a case study, or something like that.

I believe it's the art founded by Chuck Norris. http://www.chunkukdo.com/ I see, thanks. I'll check out the website.

That is kind of what I think, too. If I was a GM, or even a chief instructor, I would be helping the person to find a school in their new home town just so they could continue training, regardless if it is a TKD school, BJJ, or whatever. Just keep training.

You would have to view the old thread about Japanese vs. English (language) in training. And by the way, taking my shirt off would probably scare off many innocent bystanders, so I would only use it as a last resort!

Welcome back to the forums!

Never heard of it, but it sounds cool.

I have a winter coat with our logo on it, but I can't think of the brand off the top of my head. I will check for you.

Good advice, Jiffy. If the doctor gives you certain guidelines to follow, then you should talk to the instructor and see if you can work within the guidelines.

Personally, I think that you should be able to attend as many classes as they offer, considering they are appropriate for the students level. At our school, we pay a monthly fee, and can come to as many classes as there are available, and never have to pay extra.

He will be in my thoughts and prayers. Hope all gets better.